Chelsea is set to sell an academy talent, with media reports saying that Alfie Gilchrist will make his way to the Championship next season.
Touted to be one of the next big talents from the Cobham academy, started his career at local side Old Isleworthians Youth F.C. and Queens Park Rangers, playing as a right-wing and central midfielder in his early teens.
He joined Chelsea at the U-11 level in 2014, with the centre-back position being his preferred role. Due to this, comparisons were drawn between him and John Terry.
ALSO READ: Scorching heat sparks revised schedule appeals at FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Gilchrist signed his first professional contract in November 2020, captaining the academy side that reached the FA Youth Cup semifinals and also won the Under-18 Premier League Cup in the 2021–22 season.
The 21-year-old then took up the captain’s duty at the U-23 level and was nominated for the PL2 Player of the Season award in the 2022–23 season.
Senior appearances
Gilchrist was included in the list of substitutes in a Premier League match against Manchester United on May 26, 2023.
In September 2023, he signed a new contract with the club until June 2025, and on December 27, Gilchrist made his senior debut, subbed on in stoppage time, in a 2–1 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Gilchrist’s first start for the senior squad came on January 6, 2024, in Chelsea’s 4–0 defeat of Preston North End in the FA Cup.
In April 2026, Gilchrist signed a new contract with Chelsea, keeping him at the club until 2026. 13 days later, after coming on as an 88th-minute substitute for Malo Gusto, Gilchrist scored his first senior goal for Chelsea in a 6–0 win over Everton.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com